A number of workers are demanding that the ballot starts immediately and some believe unofficial action will be necessary to win the dispute.

Alan, an electrician on the London protest, told Socialist Worker, “This is just the beginning. Solidarity and unity is what will make the employers listen. The protests have to get bigger and we will need strikes.”

There were also protests in Manchester and Newcastle. In Newcastle one electrician said, “We need to catch up. We need a ballot—and quickly.

“The best way to organise is by taking them on. It’s the same everywhere. The bosses are taking the piss.”